By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka on Tuesday, 10th December 2024 signed a partnership deal with indigenous firm, Sabrud Consortium Nig. Ltd on installation of prepaid meters to the University Community.

The partnership deal which was inked at the Council/Senate Chamber between the University management led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu and management team of the Sabrud Consortium Nig. Ltd will see the installation of prepaid meters to all the consumers of electricity within the university community premises.

In his remarks, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu stated that the development is coming at the right time when the institution is seeking for solutions on its power challenges owing to the huge monthly wage bills from the EEDC and frequent blackouts being experienced in the institution.

Prof. Ikechebelu stated that his administration is poised towards ensuring that there is regular power in the university by connecting the institution to Band A for a guaranteed power supply of 20 hours per day and as well ensuring efficient management of power supply by prompt payment of electricity bills and right usage. 

The Ag. VC informed that Light-Up UNIZIK is part of his vision of BLESSED UNIZIK that will led to Happy Productive Staff and Happy Progressive Students. He also eulogized the UNIZIK Taskforce on Electricity led by Comrade Ufoaroh for a good job done in the area of electricity power usage, management and regulation.

Also speaking, the Chairman, UNIZIK Taskforce on Electricity, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh described the MoU signing between the institution and the firm as historic not just in determining the rate and regulating power usage by consumers within the university but will be beneficial to the institution in the areas of research and enhancing the capacity of teaching staff in the Faculty of Engineering and the students.

Comrade Ufoaroh maintained that the relationship will aid the university in efficient management of power from the distribution company to enhance productivity while it is hoped that the Consortium will also interface with teaching staff of the Electrical Engineering Department of the University through capacity building programmes, research on power challenges and empowering students via industrial attachments and trainings. Ufoaroh affirmed that the positive development is in line with the light-up UNIZIK mantra of the present administration of Prof. Ikechebelu which is gradually becoming a reality.

On his part, the MD/CEO of Sabrud Consortium Nig. Ltd, Chief Chiso Nwangwu thanked the University management for choosing the firm and enhancing their profile through the MoU. Chief Nwangwu promised that the firm will produce, supply and install the right prepaid meters that will stand the test of time in line with the institution’s management policy of ensuring efficient usage and management of power supply.

The historic occasion also featured the commissioning of the Metering Control Room, prepaid meters by UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu alongside the institution’s management team at Access Bank Ltd, Chuckies Restaurant and College of Postgraduate Studies (CPGS).

Present during the signing of the MoU were the University’s Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor Modebelu; University Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu; the University Librarian, Prof. Stella Ngozi Anasi; the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Solomon Nwigbo; the Director of UNIZIK Technology Incubation Centre, Engr. Prof. Austin Azubogu; Director of UNIZIK Business Ventures, Engr. Dr. Ikenna Ubah; Director of Works Services, Engr. Iyke Onwuemena; Ag. Director of Information and Public Relations, Barr. Louis Njelita; the University’s Chief Legal Officer, Prof. Meshach Umenweke and other members of staff of the University.